The future of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is in safe hands following the recruitment of new members of the Legacy Youth Panel.

Made up of 14 to 18-year-olds living in the boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest, it allows young people to have their say on the park’s legacy.

The new members, who represent their schools and communities on the panel, have completed an intensive two day team building and leadership workshop and toured some of the park’s venues.

One of the 47 teenagers selected is 14-year-old Caitlin Thompson, who lives close to the park.

She said: “I am so happy to have been selected to be on the Legacy Youth Panel.

“I am just amazed with how much the area has been transformed and feel that this is a great opportunity for the voice my opinions in a positive way.”

During their first year of the programme, which was set up in 2007, participants will take part in sessions on communication, regeneration, town planning and social action.

They will also get to meet senior representatives of the London Legacy Development Corporation and contribute to future plans and ideas.

Iolo Walker, 17 , is one of 14 young people from Newham to be selected.

He said: “The Legacy youth panel is a great unity of different young people from different boroughs coming together to share ideas.

“This is a great opportunity if we take advantage of all the great stuff that comes our way and ensure that a collective youth voice is heard to influence the park and the future.”